Why it matters

Human connection directly shapes your hormonal landscape. Supportive social interactions boost oxytocin and serotonin, which counterbalance cortisol. Isolation, on the other hand, amplifies the stress response.

How to approach it

Connection doesn’t have to mean constant socializing — it’s about authentic, safe relationships. That could be a brief check-in with a friend, a shared laugh, or a few minutes of genuine listening.

Start small

Identify one person who helps you feel grounded and schedule regular touchpoints — a weekly text, a walk, or a shared meal. When you nurture connection, you’re training your body to relax in community, not just in solitude.